30/09/2019

This year's National Safe Work Month theme is ‘Be a Safety Champion’. Business are invited to register a workplace event that demonstrates how they are being safety champions.

SafeWork SA invites businesses to ‘Be a Safety Champion’ during National Safe Work Month by organising activities that highlight their commitment to building safe and healthy workplaces.

Businesses can visit the SafeWork SA website for promotional resources and ideas for a fun and informal activity. Any workplaces that register their event will be in the running to win a prize valued up to $500 from a range of South Australian businesses and products.

Safe Work Month will kick off with the announcement of the winner of the annual Augusta Zadow Awards on 3 October. These awards are given to initiatives that assist in keeping women and young people safe in the workplace.

SafeWork SA will be focusing its attention through the month on four priority industries that experience a high number of injuries in the workplace: manufacturing, construction, agriculture and transport. Each week, the SafeWork SA website and social media will feature an industry video addressing key injuries and what preventative measures can be taken to avoid injury.

Injuries by industry
2018-19 Financial Year
(as reported by ReturnToWorkSA)
IndustryInjuries
Manufacturing 2608
Construction 1962
Agriculture 712
Transport 591

“National Safe Work Month is an opportunity to put workplace health and safety at the forefront of people’s minds,” said SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell.

“While this year we are focusing on how to avoid injuries in four specific industries, we always encourage all workers in every type of workplace to be aware, be vigilant and put safety first.

“An important safety rule all year round is for workers in all industries to always look out for work mates. Don’t be afraid to speak up about any safety concerns you have regarding your worksite and duties.”

Mr Campbell encouraged South Australian businesses to conduct their own activities during National Safe Work Month, such as running a safety quiz, holding a safety-themed morning tea, or organising a team training session.

More ideas and resources can be found at www.safework.sa.gov.au.